Vehicle

2010 Volkswagen Golf PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

Traded a 2003 MB E-320 on a 2010 Prius, and the Prius on this. The MB certified pre-owned warrantee ran out, and I worried about pricey repairs. The Prius was cool, bigger, but was boring to drive, and it felt cheap. The VW retains some of the MB satisfying qualities, in a car I can more afford to buy new, which includes a new car warrantee. It has nice touches, like the MB did, rubberized dashboard covering, nice, precise wheels on the air vents, that click like they're jeweled, when you switch them closed. The motor is very MB-like: torquey, very deep torque band: nice at slow speeds, but plenty of very satisfying room for your foot to go down. Very satisfying, fun, likable car.

Best Features

Under-promises, over-delivers. Prius over-promised, under-delivered. Got 32/34mpg city/backroad driving at end of first tank, then 42mpg, and climbing highway. Drove home on same highway, back to advertised mpg. Filled tank, now "normal" mpg again. ? Average 29mpg, two thirds highway driving.

Worst Features

Not sure, like it the way it is. I have AT, very smooth, six speed. If I'd have known how sweet the engine was, might have gotten manual shifter. Very good manual transmission, and clutch. And ~$1,000 less! Very satisfying engine, and suspension. Not cheap, well-done. The engine feels precise